Life was great. I had just graduated from college, I was set up for my dream job, and I had the most perfect boyfriend anyone could ever ask for. We'd been dating ever since we started college 4 years ago, and my love for him increased exponentially with each passing day. Today was the day that I was finally planning to make him mine... Forever.
If you couldn't tell, I was planning on proposing to the love of my life, Benjamin Rodriguez. We had a picnic planned for later in the afternoon, and that's where I was planning on asking him to marry me. It would be simple, yet romantic, and not too overwhelming.
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We were sat down on a soft blanket in the middle of a beautiful meadow, just enjoying each other's presence. After eating our food, we began talking about simple things. Life, happiness, our futures...
"So, Ryan... I'm ready for a new step in my life. I have something I want to ask you," Benjamin said, almost wearily.
Did he have the same intentions as I did?!
"Yeah, me too, Benny. I wanted to ask you something as well! Do you mind if I go first?" I wanted to be the one to ask the million dollar question. I had dreamed of this moment ever since I was a kid! The day I finally ask my true love to be with me forever.
"Of course, Ryan. But you have to promise you'll consider my preposition as well," he answered softly.
I took in a deep breath, pulling the ring out of my front pocket. Getting onto one knee, I popped the question.
"Benjamin, I enjoy every little thing about you. You have this incredible talent of bringing a smile to my face every time you're even in the same room as me. You bring me so much joy, and I'm not sure what I'd do without you. So much so, that I'd hate to spend a day without you. Benjamin, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
Immediately, his jaw dropped. "Ryan.. I love you," he answered, causing a smile to stretch across my face. "But I don't think I can marry you. There's so much going on in my life right now and I'm not prepared for that kind of change."
In that moment, it was as thought my whole had turned upside down. I couldn't even speak, so I just began packing up my stuff to leave.
"Ryan- wait! You promised me you would listen to my question. I'm joining the Marine Corps, and I wanted to ask you to move to South Carolina with me! I'm going to be training at Parris Island, and I want to to be there with me."
"I can't even believe you right now! First you break my heart, then you ask me to move all the way across the country just so you can go into the stupid Army? I can't do that for you if you don't even want to be with me forever, Benjamin," I answered, heartbroken.
"Ryan, I'm not joining the Army, I'm joking the Marines. There's a huge difference. Besides, you're being incredibly daft right now. I do want to spend my life with you– I'm just not ready for marriage. That's why I asked you come come with me to South Carolina," Benjamin explained, a pained expression covering his features.
"I just... I can't do this, Benjamin. My whole life is here in Utah. My whole family is here, my friends are here, even my career is here!"
"But I'm not going to be here much longer, Ryan. I leave for training in two weeks. Do you really want to be stuck in this godawful state for the rest of your life?" Benjamin asked.
"Maybe I do! At least I know family is forever! What if you're just temporary? I mean, you won't even marry me for goodness sakes!"
The rest of that evening consisted solely of us arguing over who was in the wrong. When it got late, we said our final goodbyes.
"Goodbye, Benjamin. I hope I never have to see your sorry ass ever again," I spat as I walked to my car.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Ryan. I love you," he responded.
We never did see each other again before he left for boot camp.
